Rear Adm. Steve Koehler is a native of San Diego and a 1986 graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. He was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) and designated a naval aviator in March 1989. He holds a Master’s in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and is a graduate of the Joint Staff College and the Navy Nuclear Power Program.
At sea, he commanded the Pukin’ Dogs of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, USS Bataan (LHD 5), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), and Carrier Strike Group Nine. His additional assignments at sea include tours in Fighter Squadron (VF) 211, VF-41, executive officer aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). During his operational tours he supported Operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel in support of contingency operations in the Middle East, Operation Deliberate Guard in support of stabili